Agricultural Machinery Technician, Service Manager

Ryan Christmann happily admits that, as a Grade 12 student, his mind wasn’t on career planning as much as it was on the football field. He was talented enough to get noticed. Given a choice between playing university football and junior football in Kelowna, B.C., he opted for the junior league. His football career with the Okanagan Suns helped hone a strong work ethic that’s seen him rise quickly through the ranks in his chosen career.

Ryan Christmann happily admits that, as a Grade 12 student, his mind wasn’t on career planning as much as it was on the football field. He was talented enough to get noticed. Given a choice between playing university football and junior football in Kelowna, B.C., he opted for the junior league. His football career with the Okanagan Suns helped hone a strong work ethic that’s seen him rise quickly through the ranks in his chosen career.

What made you decide on a career in the trades?

I grew up on a ranch/farm near Central Butte, and I’ve spent my whole life working on machinery and doing carpentry. In high school, I did a work-ed program that involved afterschool work at the local John Deere dealership. I enjoyed it, so I decided to enrol in an agricultural technician apprenticeship program. I was accepted, but ended up going to British Columbia instead.

Was the experience worthwhile?

Absolutely. Football taught me that if you want to excel, you have to put in the time. You can’t just show up on game day and expect to play. You have to constantly work on your skills. I also learned not to be threatened by someone better than me. In football, there’s always someone coming up who’s bigger, stronger, faster. You have to embrace that, because it’s all about the team. You have to help new players be the best they can be, even when that’s better than you. It’s no different in a career; you have to keep improving and you have to be willing to help your team members improve.

How did your apprenticeship training play out?

After football, I came home and decided to revisit the agtech option. I opted to apprentice as a John Deere Agricultural Technician and started my career with the dealership in Assiniboia.

Was it tough going back to school after 4 years?

Actually, it wasn’t that big a transition. I’d gone out and lived life. I’d made the move from small town to city. I’d had a lot of fun, so when I came back home, I wasn’t an 18-year-old kid in the big city for first time. I’m also good at going to a new place and meeting new people. I don’t mind not knowing anybody.

What surprised you the most about post-secondary training?

How much I enjoyed it. I’ve never been a ‘book person’. I was never a failing student, it’s just that I like doing things with my hands. I chose the trades because the training is split – you learn theory but you also get hands-on training. I excelled at that.

What is the most indispensable skill in the workplace?

For me, the most important thing isn’t so much a skill as a work ethic. If a combine breaks down in the middle of harvest, for example, the farmer can’t finish the job, which directly impacts the operation’s profitability. You have to be willing to put in the extra time and effort at those times, go the extra mile. When you do, good things happen.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the trade?

It’s a great time to get into the trade. Agriculture is strong across the province. The world needs farmers, farmers need equipment and equipment always needs mechanics. If you’re a skilled tradesperson, you can write your own ticket.

Job Prospects – Good. Agricultural machinery technicians have the same NOC code as heavy-duty equipment mechanics. Average annual income is $60,100. You must be registered as an apprentice to work in the trade. To register, you must be working in the trade under the supervision of a certified journeyperson. Employers prefer workers who have completed Grade 12.

Get a Head Start. The Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program provides a career pathway to trades and technology careers. It combines hands-on, practical learning with periods of technical training. Learn more.